It is crucial to understand spatio-temporal dimensions through geospatial analytics, which provides practical means for making informed decisions in addressing current world challenges such as energy resources, climatic issues, sustainability, or interactions between humans and the environment. The School of Earth, Environment and Society offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Applied Geospatial Science, and Certificate programs to train students to use and understand some of the most advanced data and cutting-edge technology. Students gain skills in using professional tools such as: Esri ArcGIS Desktop and Server, ENVI, ERDAS, eCognition, Idrisi, Trimble Pathfinder Office and Terrasync, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Visual Studio Professional, and other open-source software such as R, Python and GRASS.
Today, geospatial technology plays a key role in many different occupations, including cartography, surveying, earth sciences, energy sciences, computer science, state and local governments, criminal justice, statistics, business, and management. The interdisciplinary nature of this field has also allowed for integration into planning, decision-making, and business processes of organizations which represent a major investment on the part of the U.S. federal government and the private sector. A wide array of public, private and nonprofit organizations require employees that can utilize the interdisciplinary geospatial skills emphasized in our program
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Master’s degree, students in the Applied Geospatial Sciences program are expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to explain fundamental geospatial concepts and theory for addressing important societal issues.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply geospatial data and tools across multiple disciplines.
- Demonstrate the ability to explain in-depth ideas and concepts in area of specialization.
- Plan I: Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an original research project, with appropriate use of scientific methods, robust sampling, and analytical methodologies.
- Plan II: Demonstrate the ability to defend and communicate the results and interpretations of an original research project.
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Writing Sample
- Potential faculty supervisors: You are strongly encouraged to contact at least one of our faculty members to discuss your specific research interests and potential thesis projects (for Plan I Thesis students only). Be sure to include the name(s) of the faculty who you have contacted and are interested in working with in your statement of purpose (SOP). If you are not able to reach one of our faculty members (professors) in a timely manner, be sure to indicate in your SOP your area of research interest and which of our professors (one or more) you would like to work with if admitted.
International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.
Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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